by: Geoff “Big Hill” Mountain

Food Editor
Oceanside CA– This neighborhood bar, The Pour House, is the dream of David and Emily Rassel, long-time Oceanside residents.
The enterprising young couple have dreamed of establishing a neighborhood bar featuring “Classic Done Right!” with quality ingredients, an emphasis on handcrafted cocktails and a collection of 16 local & Belgium brewed beers on tap.
Their goal is to create a local neighborhood bar featuring Classic Drinks, great food and to promote the local music scene. They play classic music daily when a band isn’t performing. They also have 3 flat screen TV’s and a pool table covered in red felt. David and Emily want to deliver a quality experience and affordable prices at the Pour House.
The couple have spent seven months totally remodeling the entire building with a classy and comfortable feel showcased by a copper topped bar, brand new furniture and beautiful bathrooms.
The Bar, at the Pour House, showcases many Rediscovered Classic Drinks and it’s a blast to sit there and watch the bartenders perform their trade. Dave has taken the Classics and put a very unique spin on them by changing some of the mix and adding, new, fresh ingredients. All the drinks utilize nothing but the freshest ingredients and Davids house made syrups & hand squeezed juices. In addition to all the fresh juices, sauces and syrups, Dave makes house made Ginger Lemonade.
I had a Nathaniel’s Cucumber Collins, which is a blend of Vodka, Hendrix Gin, St. Germain, home-made simple syrup, fresh lemon juice and cucumber. This wonderfully refreshing concoction is perfect for a hot summer day.
In addition to their Special Manhattans, Moscow Mules and Sidecars some of their notable “Rediscovered Classics” all made with premium liquor are listed below:

• Blood and Sand, a Scotch drink with sweet vermouth, cherry herring and fresh OJ
• Negroni, Beefeater Gin drink with Noli Prut sweet vermouth & Campari
• The Abbey, a unique Gin Screwdriver with Lilet Blanc
• Pisco Sour, with VSOP Cognac, Cointreau, Lemon Juice & House Made Simple Syrup
• Marroquin Tropical Mojito Tropical Twist on a Favorite
• Just for Emily (Twist on a Manhattan)
• The Gold (Another Manhattan Twist)
• The Lyall, either Vodka or Gin made with House Made Lavender Lemonade

There are many House Special Cocktails not on their menu like the Vitamin “A”, which is outstanding.
I also had the opportunity to sample several items from their 1st Class Menu which features daily fresh ingredients produced by their Award Winning Chef Justin Hilton. Chef Justin has worked in some of the most famous and popular restaurants in the Desert such as Mario’s, Jakes & the Cheese Cake Factory. He also trained under the well-known Chef Kevin Lund.
The Chef’s goal is to provide Classic French food with a comfort feel. As in the bar, he makes everything from scratch, which is amazing that the most expensive item on the current menu is the Grilled Pork Chop served with grilled polenta, haricot vert and apple jack gastrique at $14.95.
Other items range from Home Made Chili, incredible salads, small plate’s, sandwiches and entrees.
Some of the more unique items are:

• Dirty Chips w/braised pork, pancetta, beer cheese sauce, tomatoes olives & jalapenos.
• Truffle pork mac & cheese
• BBQ pork sliders
• Classic burgers & club sandwiches.
• Buttermilk fried chicken.

I thoroughly enjoyed my first visit and plan on going back many times. This has the makings of everyone’s favorite local hangout!
So stop by Friday for the Grand Opening and enjoy the newest entertainment venue in North County’s fastest growing city, Oceanside.

“BIGHILL DOUBLE THUMBS UP!!”

“The Pour House” located 1903 South Coast Highway, Oceanside, CA. Opening Friday the 27th at 11:00am and open daily at 11:00am – 2:00am